Gray, John, 1866-1934

Biographical notes:

John Gray was born in a working class family in London; he distinguished himself as a scholar, winning scholarships and studying on his own, and passed the Civil Service exam. Working as a librarian in the Foreign Office, he began to publish poetry, and became part of London's literary society and the Rhymer's Club. He may have been the model for Oscar Wilde's character Dorian Gray; it may also have been Wilde's demise that prompted Gray to enter the priesthood, and he spent the last years of his life as a curate in Edinburgh, Scotland. Gray was a talented poet and author, producing fiction, drama, and translations; his best known works were the book of poems, Silverpoints, and the innovative science fiction tale, Park: A Fantastic Story.

From the description of John Gray letter to Mr. Meade-King, 1932 April 27. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 64552826